A dooring accident is when a cyclist collides with a car door, which often causes the cyclist to fall off their bike, if not flip over their handlebars. These kinds of accidents are so dangerous because they usually happen between a bike and a parked vehicle, and not many people expect anything from a parked car.

Dooring accidents can cause serious injuries and are the most common cause of bicycle-related injuries. Despite how common they may be, it is not always apparent who is liable for the damages in these accidents. So, who is responsible for these injuries?

Determining liability

Figuring out who is liable for dooring injuries is not always an easy thing to do. While cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings and do their best to avoid any accidents, the same is true for drivers. The difference is that the law requires drivers and their passengers to check their surroundings before exiting the vehicle. Because of this law, the driver/passenger is typically liable for the dooring accident.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule. If the cyclist had plenty of room in a safe environment to avoid the car door, they might be liable for their injuries instead of the driver. In either case, both drivers and cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings to help prevent these accidents.

Pursuing the compensation you deserve

Dooring accidents can cause injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. These types of catastrophic injuries often come with considerable expenses that the liable party should be responsible for. If you suffered a dooring injury, talk to a personal injury attorney about securing the compensation you deserve to cover the costs of your injuries.